During World War II, the foray of women into the manufacturing workplace was a first of many in the industry. This became represented by “Rosie the Riveter,” as women took on the factory jobs vacated by men who were fighting in the war, including in fields such as weaponry, ammunition, and aircraft. Today, a museum is being planned to be built on the site of the original Rosie the Riveter factory, depicting women’s entrance into the manufacturing industry.

In today’s manufacturing world, not only are women active members of the industry, but the industry is also undergoing a huge economic comeback. Known by many in the industry as an American manufacturing renaissance, U.S. manufacturing is beginning to see more jobs coming back from offshore and an increase in production. A recent study from the Boston Consulting Group calls the U.S. a “’rising star’ of global manufacturing thanks to falling domestic natural gas prices, rising worker productivity, and a lack of upward wage pressure,” according to Reuters.

Jeannette Specialty Glass is certainly familiar with the American manufacturing comeback and the leadership role women have taken in the industry. Our CEO, Kathleen Sarniak, was the 2013 recipient of the Athena Award, which recognizes women who have taken a leadership role in their business and community. Kathleen has not only helped grow our business, but has also worked diligently with the local community in bringing in more jobs and helping veterans get back into the workplace. As a business, we are proud to be Made in the USA, and we continue to contribute to our local economy as much as we can. Manufacturing has certainly changed and evolved over the years, but we are experiencing the positive results from the Rosie the Riveter era all the way to the current manufacturing renaissance.